Lena stood there in shock. It was as though a floodgate of memories had suddenly burst open. She believed she
had distanced herself from her past when she left that place. Yet, this boy seemed like a haunting shadow, drawing
her back into a past she desperately wanted to forget.
She struggled to calm her racing heart as fragments of memories flooded her mind.
'Alexander Dickinson... No, it can't be. Wasn't that child named Leo?
'When the boy was born, his father lost a bet in gambling and returned to beat his wife, who had just given birth. He
claimed the child was like a lion seeking vengeance, hence the name Leo.
'So... Alexander must have come from a different family, right? Yes, that seemed likely,' she thought.
Since everyone in that village shared the same last name, he probably belonged to another branch of the
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtDickinsons.
Lena took two steps back, clutching her dress with trembling fingers.
Gradually, Alexander's eyes lost their hostility and softened, a stark contrast to his rough exterior. He smiled upon
realizing she hadn't recognized him and had erased her little brother from her memory.
It made sense. There was no need to retain an unpleasant past in her memory.
Alexander took a step closer, then hesitated and stepped back. He gazed at her silently, the moonlight reflecting in
his eyes. Suddenly, he grinned. "I don't come to class very often. So, it's normal that you don't recognize me."
"Oh..." Lena's fingers slowly relaxed, and she tried to engage him calmly. "Why don't you attend class?"
"We're poor, and the school is far away. Sometimes, I just don't bother coming."
"Now that you have the chance, you should work hard and study."
"I will." Alexander smiled. "I'll do my best to follow your advice."
Lena returned his smile.
Elijah called to her from the balcony, and she waved, gesturing for Alexander to join her in the hall.
"Ms. Harding." As Lena turned around, Alexander hesitated before saying, "You... should take care."
Lena was surprised and somewhat lost.
Alexander clarified, "We don't have any family here. You're our only family, so you naturally have to take care of
yourself!"
"Alright!" Lena nodded and quickly returned to the banquet hall.
Though she still had doubts about Alexander, there was no time to dwell on them now.
The socializing at the banquet continued.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmChris had many friends, and even more people were trying to win the favor of the Hamertons. Everyone was
curious about Chris' girlfriend.
Lena smiled and gracefully stood by Chris' side.
Chris was slightly surprised since he had expected Lena to keep her distance in such gatherings.
"I'll stand by your side from now on," Lena whispered to him. "Because... I want to stand by your side for the rest of
our lives."
Chris held her hand, their fingers intertwined. They looked like the perfect couple, capturing countless admiring
gazes.
Just as they were about to sneak away for a moment alone, Fleur approached.
Chris attempted to hide behind a plate, pretending not to notice her. Unfortunately, his mother caught him in the
act.